Well when I was 'downsized' at my previous job, I took the whole summer off and visited the following countries:
Cuba (very interesting, like going back into time...)
Brazil (Really breathtaking by day, party all night!)
England (Big Cabs and quaint little streets...)
Kenya (Mombasa had the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen)
Thailand (very laid back people, and very wild!)
Hong Kong (too many people, not enough space!)
Los Angeles (well, it is LA...)
With the exception of the Cuba part, I booked a ticket with AirTreks (an around-the-world travel service), if I remember correctly it came to ~$3000.00 (air only). Not bad, if you ask me. For that, I think I got a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Or, maybe not, I'd like to do it again within the next couple of years!
DanceMan